News
Port City Bill: PM predicts USD 15 bn in investments within five years
By Saman Indrajith
Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa yesterday told Parliament that the majority of members and the Chairman of the Colombo Port City Economic Commission would be Sri Lankans.
The amendments would be incorporated into the bill in line with public proposals and the recommendations of the Supreme Court at the committee stage of the debate, the Premier said, adding that some of those amendments would be on the basis of changes proposed by other political parties.
Moving the bill for the debate, the Prime Minister said: “It was on Sept 17, 2014 the foundation stone was laid for the Colombo Port City during my tenure as the President by President of People’s Republic of China Xi Jinping. That mega project now has added 268 hectares to the landmass of our country. It was added to the Colombo District by the former government. Today, we are at the doorstep of a massive number of opportunities to make use of that landmass for the development of our motherland. To achieve such objectives it is a must that we should introduce changes for the existing legal and financial frameworks to change their parameters so that there would be a flow of investments to the country via the Port City. It is incumbent on any government to make such adjustments. Through this bill being debated here today, we hope to introduce such changes. If we make such adjustments properly this country would attract around 15 billion US dollars’ worth of investments during the next five years, as predicted by economists both local and foreign. As per the estimates of those economists, during the first five years the project would generate around 200,000 job opportunities for the construction phase and around 83,000 other permanent jobs. The commission to be set up to manage the port city would serve as a single window service provider for the foreign investors coming to invest in the Port City. We plan to provide them with all required services and facilities so that the benefits of their investments may flow into the country.”
SJB Colombo District MP Dr Harsha de Silva: We are not against the Port City project. We too understand that we as a nation are on the verge of a quantum leap to development. We are a nation trapped in a middle-income earning status trap. We cannot move neither forward nor backward.
We must convert this country into a nation of people who draw high salaries by creating complex and sophisticated goods and services. For that purpose we must join the rest of the world.
Labour Minister Nimal Siripala de Silva: There are huge differences in content between the speeches made by opposition MP Dr Harsha de Silva and his other colleagues in the opposition. Dr De Silva stated clear and loud that this bill was progressive and they would not oppose it. Others in the opposition state that the Supreme Court had bludgeoned the draft bill.
Police urge motorists who intend to use the Ella – Wellawaya Road to use alternative roads as there is a severe vehicle congestion due to inclement weather condition.
The oil anointing ceremony for the Sinhala and Tamil New Year was held on April 16 at the historic Rajamaha Viharaya in Kolonnawa, with the participation of Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya.
Following the chanting of pirith, the oil anointing ritual was carried out at the auspicious time of 9:04 a.m., by the Chief Incumbent of the temple, Venerable Kolonnawa Dhammika Thero.
Speaking after the ceremony the Prime Minister said that:
“The Sinhala and Tamil New Year is one of the most important festivities in our country. It is a celebration with our families, reflecting our traditions and customs while strengthening the ties.
This festival leads the path for renewing unity, love, and bonds stronger. These values enrich a country. Development of a country is not limited by one-dimensional; a true development includes spirituality, relationships, and connections. The reason why we uphold these customs in such ceremonies is to remind ourselves of the significance and to pass on their value to future generations.
Therefore, today marks a significant day. Throughout this week, we came together and engaged in various activities. Followed by, the next event will mark the leaving for employment at the auspicious time and we should start working collectively to rebuild the country.
I wish everyone a New Year that is prosperous, peaceful, joyful, full of strengthened relationships, and most importantly, safe for all.”
The ceremony was graced by the presence of the Maha Sangha, and attended by the Deputy Minister of Youth Affairs Eranga Gunasekara, Divisional Secretary to Kolonnawa Priyanath Perera, Municipal Secretary Nelum Kumari Gamage, and the residents of the area.
[Prime Minister’s Media Division]
Latest News
Heat Index at ‘Caution Level’ at some places in Northern, North-central, North-western, Western, Southern and Eastern provinces and in Rathnapura and Monaragala districts today [16]
Warm Weather Advisory Issued by the Natural Hazards Early Warning Centre of the Department of Meteorology for 16 April 2025
The Heat index, the temperature felt on human body is likely to increase up to ‘Caution level’ at some places in Northern, North-central, North-western, Western, Southern and Eastern provinces and in Rathnapura and Monaragala districts.
The Heat Index Forecast is calculated by using relative humidity and maximum temperature and this is the condition that is felt on your body. This is not the forecast of maximum temperature. It is generated by the Department of Meteorology for the next day period and prepared by using global numerical weather prediction model data.
Effect of the heat index on human body is mentioned in the table below and it is prepared on the advice of the Ministry of Health and Indigenous Medical Services.
ACTION REQUIRED
Job sites: Stay hydrated and takes breaks in the shade as often as possible.
Indoors: Check up on the elderly and the sick.
Vehicles: Never leave children unattended.
Outdoors: Limit strenuous outdoor activities, find shade and stay hydrated. Dress: Wear lightweight and white or light-colored clothing.
Note:
In addition, please refer to advisories issued by the Disaster Preparedness & Response Division, Ministry of Health in this regard as well. For further clarifications please contact 011-7446491.
Peru’s ex-president and first lady sentenced to 15 years in jail
China’s Xi hails ‘new golden era’ with Malaysia during trade tour
Severe traffic reported on Ella-Wellawaya road due to inclement weather
-
News5 days agoSuspect injured in police shooting hospitalised
-
Features6 days agoRobbers and Wreckers
-
Business6 days agoBhathiya Bulumulla – The Man I Knew
-
Business5 days agoSanjiv Hulugalle appointed CEO and General Manager of Cinnamon Life at City of Dreams Sri Lanka
-
Business7 days agoNational Anti-Corruption Action Plan launched with focus on economic recovery
-
Features4 days agoLiberation Day tariffs chaos could cause permanent damage to US economy, amid global tensions
-
Business4 days agoMembers’ Night of the Sri Lanka – Russia Business Council of The Ceylon Chamber of Commerce
-
Features4 days agoMinds and Memories picturing 65 years of Sri Lankan Politics and Society